St John’s redevelopment adaptive reuse finalist

The recently completed St John’s, Paddington is an exemplar of adaptive reuse and was a finalist for the NSW National Trust Awards.

The historic former St John’s church site, is one of the oldest and best known properties on Paddington’s Oxford Street. The concept was to adaptively reuse this diverse group of heritage buildings while maintaining and reinforcing their intrinsic architectural character and contextual relationship.

The site was redundant and becoming increasingly degraded. After many years of planning and development attempts, the complex redevelopment at St John’s Church successfully integrates heritage items, residential development and a public square on Oxford Street. The client and public’s enthusiasm about the outcome is testament to its success.

Held on the 6 May, the National Trust Heritage Awards are the pinnacle celebration for the heritage community and an interesting place to see what is happening and the integrity involved. They are an annual celebration of excellence in restoration, conservation and regeneration of local Heritage, built, natural and cultural.